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Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SN686S vs Panasonic NN-SN966S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Panasonic NN-SN686S comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). Panasonic NN-SN686S is best for: Buyers who want Panasonic's inverter even-heating and excellent defrost but don't have room or budget for the 2.2 cu ft flagship. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Panasonic NN-SN686S
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic NN-SN686S
2 sources$295as of Oct 31

The Panasonic NN-SN686S brings the flagship's inverter technology and Genius Sensor down to a more manageable 1.2 cu ft, 1200W body. Consumer Reports rated it Excellent for both heat evenness and auto-defrost, which arguably makes it the best-heating microwave in this roundup per dish. Buy it if you want Panasonic's even cooking without the 2.2 cu ft model's bulk, and can accept a smaller interior and dated looks.

Strengths
  • — Excellent Consumer Reports scores for heat evenness and defrosting
  • — Turbo Defrost thaws quickly without cooking the edges
  • — 1200W output is powerful for its compact size
Watch-outs
  • — Old-fashioned styling and membrane controls
  • — Costs more than conventional microwaves of similar size
$295 · Buy at stevesappliances.comFull review →
Panasonic NN-SN966S
Ranked #2 in Best Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic NN-SN966S
2 sources$192as of Oct 31

The Panasonic NN-SN966S is the most capable countertop microwave here: a 2.2 cu ft, 1250W inverter model whose constant-power inverter circuit and Genius Sensor produce the even heating that traditional microwaves lack. Designer Appliances praises its gentle, uniform heat distribution, and it has long been the popular choice for big-dish households. Size, price, and some reliability complaints are the trade-offs. On cooking performance it leads the category.

Strengths
  • — Inverter technology delivers genuinely even heating without burnt edges or frozen centers
  • — Huge 2.2 cu ft interior fits large dishes and a dinner plate with room to spare
  • — Genius Sensor auto-adjusts time and power across 14 preset menus
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price for a countertop microwave
$192 · Buy at officedepot.comFull review →

How they stack up

Panasonic NN-SN686S

The compact sibling of the Panasonic NN-SN966S, sharing its inverter and Genius Sensor in a 1.2 cu ft body that matches the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS's footprint. Its inverter even-heating beats the conventional Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, Black+Decker EM925AB9, and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09; the only thing it gives up to the NN-SN966S is interior size and a little power.

Panasonic NN-SN966S

Shares Panasonic's inverter advantage with the smaller NN-SN686S — both heat more evenly than the conventional Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, Black+Decker EM925AB9, and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 — but the NN-SN966S nearly doubles the NN-SN686S's interior at 2.2 cu ft. It is the largest and most powerful microwave in this roundup; the others are mid-size or compact.

Specs side-by-side

SpecPanasonic NN-SN686SPanasonic NN-SN966S
Power1200W1250W
Capacity1.2 cu ft2.2 cu ft
TechnologyInverter + Genius SensorInverter + Genius Sensor
Programs14 sensor presets14 sensor presets
Turntable13.4 in16.5 in
DefrostTurbo DefrostTurbo Defrost
FinishStainless steel—
Warranty1 year1 year
Dimensions15.8"D x 20.7"W x 12.2"H19.4"D x 23.9"W x 14"H
Wattage1200 W cooking power (1480 W consumption)1250 watts
MaterialStainless SteelAluminum
Footprint—23.9 x 19.4 in
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